Kahurangi School officially opens

UP FOR CHALLENGE: Kahurangi School students challenge members of the community who came to help them open their new school.

LABOUR MP and long term supporter of two eastern suburbs schools merging Annette King opened Kahurangi School in Strathmore on Friday.

“It took a lot of hard work, but along the way it came together, this is a fabulous side of Strathmore,” Mrs King said.

The first decision to merge Miramar South and Strathmore schools was made in 2011 by then Education Minister Anne Tolley because both schools’ rolls were declining.

The work for the new joined school started in April last year and some of the classes from Miramar South were moved to Kahurangi School.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said it this is an exciting new school and important for this community.

“The merging of the two schools is perfect and it’s just great for the future of those children who have excellent support in the community.” She said.

“I think it’s important for the community to support the children and I’m working with some people to get computers into homes,” she said.

Principle Kyran Smith said was looking forward to making full use of what they had.

“The challenge now is to start using these fantastic facilities and move forward with the learning,” she said.

Member of the public member Sam Doyle said the merger benefits the students.

“This is a positive thing, the Miramar South location was in a disadvantaged position because of the noise coming from the airport and there were days where you could smell those airplanes fuels,” he said.

Board member Wayne Lowther acknowledged the hard work that the board has done and the tough decisions that were made for the new school.

Miramar South was approaching 90 years of age, but it had been declining in student enrolments in recent years.

The opening day was attended by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, Wellington mayoral hopefuls John Morris and Rob Goulden and Cr Paul Eagle.